Updates on COVID-19

Update: Return of Preventative Maintenance Care

Posted: 05/08/20

Dear Clients,

Thank you for all of your patience and understanding during this trying time. Your support has been terrific!

We are happy to announce that we have received approval through the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Examiners to resume wellness and elective procedures in accordance with CDC guidelines. Our protocol as a drive-in-only clinic remains the same, with only staff members entering the building.

We will be resuming spay/neuter surgery, dentistry, wellness and progress exams, vaccinations and other small treatments and procedures.

However, the Cat's Pajamas Bed & Breakfast will be closed for boarding until further notice.

Again, thank you for your ongoing support!

The Staff of Frederick Cat Vet

COVID-19 & Cat's Update

Posted: 4/23/20

Dear Clients,

A few days ago a report emerged regarding two cats in New York City that have tested positive for COVID-19. We have a few details and conclusions to share with you. There are still unknowns about possible sources of exposure for one of the cats, but we do know that both cats were displaying mild respiratory signs and are expected to make a full recovery.

From this report we can conclude that there is more evidence that COVID-19 can infect domestic cats but the reported clinical signs are mild. To date there have no reports of a cat infecting a human. That being said, the CDC recommendations regarding social distancing with pets in the face of human infection have not changed.

We also wanted to address the new commercial COVID-19 test that has been released by IDEXX, a veterinary-only lab. The test will be available through veterinarians but only if we get Maryland state approval and these criteria have been met:

1) The cat is living in a household with a human who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus).

2) The cat has already been tested for more common infections, which a veterinarian has ruled out.

3) The cat is showing clinical signs consistent with COVID-19.

On our end we continue to offer drive-in service for essential appointments and telemedicine when possible . If you have concerns about your cat please don't hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Michael Karg, DVM
Lisa Wolkind, DVM

COVID-19 & Cat's Update

Posted: 4/6/20

More reports are emerging about felines acquiring COVID-19, including the April 5th report of a tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive. Research from China (too new for peer review and publication) found cat-to-cat transmission in a lab. There are no reports of feline-to-human transmission. As of today, veterinary testing remains limited to universities and other research labs. Dr. J. Scott Weese, a veterinarian the University of Guelph in Toronto, maintains a blog with timely and succinct updates on this unfolding concern:

Maryland State Board of Veterinary Examiners Definition of Essential Services

Dear Clients,

In light of Governor Hogan's recent stay-at-home order, the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Examiners has decided to limit practices on which veterinary services are considered essential. We will still be here whenever our patients need us most, but as of today, we are required to postpone all routine or elective surgical procedures until further notice.

Again, if your cat is in medical need we are here! We will do everything we can to keep everyone updated and safe while this state of emergency remains in place.

Sincerely,

The Staff of Frederick Cat Vet

Last updated on 04/03/2020

Governor's Announcement from 3/30/2020

Dear Clients,

Governor Hogan's latest COVID-19 directive on March 30, 2020 has raised concerns about whether you can still visit us. We will remain open under the strict drive-in protocol we've been using the past two weeks.

The eight-page directive states that providing and receiving services and goods for pets is essential:

i. Obtaining necessary supplies or services for one's self, family, household members, pets, or livestock, including, without limitation: groceries, supplies for household consumption or use, supplies and equipment needed to work from home, laundry, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential maintenance of the home or residence;

ii. Engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of one's self, family, household members, pets, or livestock, including such things as seeking medical or behavior health or emergency services, and obtaining medication or medical supplies;

iii. Caring for a family member, friend, pet, or livestock in another household or location, including, without limitation, transporting a family member, friend, pet, or livestock animal for essential health and safety activities, and to obtain necessary supplies and services;

Our homepage at www.frederickcatvet.com has our updates about whether this novel coronavirus may be affecting cats.

Sincerely,

All of us at Frederick Cat Vet

Social Distancing Protocol at Frederick Cat Vet

Currently, we are not allowing any non-staff into the practice and are temporarily operating as a "drive-in" clinic only. In order to expedite our exam process, we are asking that all clients answer our exam questionnaire before their appointment.

When you arrive at our office please call to alert staff of your arrival. Bring your carrier to the drop-off zone next to the orange traffic cone beneath the portico and a staff member will take your cat inside. Once the doctor has performed a full exam, they will call you to discuss their findings, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. After your discussion with the doctor is complete, you will be transferred to reception for payment. A staff member will then bring your cat back to you at the drop-off zone. We are currently emailing all receipts, report cards, discharge instructions, and estimates.

We ask that all clients remain on the premises for the duration of your cat's appointment. If you leave for any reason, there will be a hospitalization charge added to your invoice. If we can't return your cat to you immediately after the appointment, it interferes with our disinfection protocol.

Clients coming to pick up food or medications, please call ahead to arrange and make a payment. Your items will be waiting for you on a shelf under the portico roof by the front door.

Unfortunately, The Cat's Pajamas Bed and Breakfast is closed until further notice.

If you have any questions about this process please call us at 301-898-4009 or email us at clientcenter@frederickcatvet.com. Thank you for understanding as we try our best to do our part in helping prevent further spread of the coronavirus!

Frederick Cat Vet Staff
3/27/2020

COVID- 19 & Cats

Here is new information about the novel coronavirus in a cat in Belgium. Please take note that recommendations have not changed. The AVMA and CDC are recommending that if a person is infected with COVID-19 they should treat their pets with the same caution and respect they would another human. We don't recommend that anyone relinquish their pets as there is zero evidence they are a risk to us. During this pandemic, we need them more than ever.

You may wonder if we can test your cat. The short answer is no. At this point there is no test available for veterinary clinics but we will keep watching for new developments.

The dog had two subsequent positive tests, but never showed symptoms. The dog was tested because the owner had the disease, but no other positive tests have emerged in the city. Hong Kong's efforts at controlling this disease have ranked high in the world, so their vigilance is encouraging.

The Portland Press Herald reported on March 13th that IDEXX (our primary laboratory) have created a COVID-19 test for cats and dogs. In creating that test, they have thousands of negative tests.

We're monitoring the news daily, and we're lucky to be part of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). VIN, an online global community of 60,000 veterinarians, is a constant stream of news and conversation.

Maryland includes veterinary practices as essential services because of the role we play in community health, including protection against rabies and intestinal parasites. We thank you for your patience with our "drive-in" only service and remain diligent in our efforts to avoid contagion.